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Pain in the neck: Stiffness keeps Parnell out

Pain in the neck: Stiffness keeps Parnell out

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By Chris Iseman
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MLB.com |

NEW YORK -- The Mets are without their closer as Bobby Parnell continues to deal with a stiff neck.

Parnell first experienced the pain during the Mets' road trip in Miami this week, but the problem hasn't subsided. Mets manager Terry Collins said Parnell has seen the doctor and received medication to "quiet the area down," but Collins doesn't expect to have Parnell until Sunday at the earliest.

But Collins also said Parnell won't be re-examined again until Monday.

In the meantime, David Aardsma, who has 69 career saves, will close out games for New York. LaTroy Hawkins will continue to pitch the eighth inning, Collins said.

"We've got David Aardsma who has closed in the past," Collins said. "So we'll probably use him right now, leave Hawk where he is. He's done such a great job in that eighth inning."

Parnell last pitched on Tuesday, closing out the Mets' 4-2 win over the Marlins to earn his 22nd save this season.

Chris Iseman is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.